Page 56 of Breaking the Ice

“Sorry,” I mouth.

“It’s okay,” he whispers back, grimacing.

I wish I believed him.

After a trip to the bookstore to outfit Evan’s parents in Griffin’s polos—it’s not lost on me that they don’t already own anything—we end up killing time with a tour of the hockey facilities and then head to Daley Arena, where the basketball games are played. Named for a former coach and not the mouse.

The domed arena looks small on the outside because the court is sunken into the ground. In many schools, basketball and hockey share playing spaces but thanks to the success of my dad and the hockey program, Harrison has put a lot of money into the team, and they have their own arena. The Griffins basketball team is decent, too—usually making it to the Sweet Sixteen, at least.

Evan’s dad bought us tickets and spared no expense. We’re so close to the court, we’ll probably be able to feel drops of sweat as they fly off the players. Gross.

We file into our seats, and I end up sandwiched in between Evan and his dad. His mom sits on the end, sniffing her displeasure. We’ve already covered topics like my major—Mrs. Young rolled her eyes—and where I grew up. My palms sweat as I contemplate what else they will want to know.

“So, Isabella.” Mr. Young turns to me as the players dribble and shoot, warming up. He raises his voice to be heard over the music and the squeak of their shoes on the gleaming wood floor. “What’s it like, being the daughter of a coach? Is hockey your favorite sport?”

I try to keep my face neutral. “I’m not actually the biggest sports fan. But my dad is really good at what he does. The hockey team is great.”

Evan’s mom snorts. I didn’t realize she was listening in. She doesn’t say anything, just lifts her snooty nose in the air, and I bristle. Her implications about career choices are clear. Do I love that my dad is a hockey coach? No. But that’s more about my dad and hockey than the coaching thing. Her attitude pisses me off. I should keep my mouth shut, but my temper flares, and I can’t stay silent.

I lean over Evan to speak to her.

“It’s wild, isn’t it, how different people are good at different things? How my dad is great at inspiring his players to be the best versions of themselves, to give him everything and to work harder than they thought possible.” I pat Evan’s knee with a little more force than necessary. “Or like Evan. How he’s great with kids and will make gym class a bright spot for all the students he sees.”

“But a teacher?” Mrs. Young frowns. “It just seems like such a waste.”

It’s an echo of what he’s said to me before, and now I have some insight into what he must have heard all the time when he was growing up.

I turn to Mr. Young. “Did you know how to be a doctor? Or did you have to be taught?”

He chuckles. “I wish. Seven years of medical school.”

“And were you born knowing the legal system of our country?” I ask Mrs. Young. Evan squeezes my hand, probably a warning, but I don’t stop. “Or did you need a teacher?”

“I went to law school, obviously.” She crosses her arms over her navy polo and glares at me. Then she sits up straighter, brightening. “Evan, are you thinking of becoming a professor?”

My breath rushes out of me. This woman.

“No, Mom.”

“You know,” she taps her chin, musing. “You could become an athletic director someday. Maybe even make the jump to collegiate athletics. It would fit with your background and experience.”

Evan sighs, then whispers under his breath to me, “Even if I liked that idea, now that she suggested it, I hate it.”

I lace our fingers together as the announcer invites us to stand for the National Anthem. Evan deserves so much more than the parents he has. He should have a family who loves and accepts him and sees how awesome he is. But maybe I can be that for him? Just for a little while. We are married, after all, even if it’s only temporary.

Chapter

Twenty-Five

ISABELLA

Ariana: You got married in Vegas???

Vanessa: And I totally believed you when you said there was nothing going on between you and Evan.

Ariana: That’s why she’s a great actress, babe.

Isabella: It was kind of a whirlwind. But Evan is great. We’re so happy.